In 1985, Juminkeko's predecessor, Kuhmo Kulttuurikornitsa center,
was founded in Kuhmo to uphold Karelian traditions and to improve
public awareness of this cultural heritage in Finland. Five years
later the center received backing from a newly formed foundation
that included leading experts on Karelia and the Kalevala.

The revitalization of folklore villages in Viena Karelia was
also a key priority early on. This led to the Juminkeko project,
the aim of which was the construction of culture centers in Kuhmo
and Kostomuksha, Karelia.

Construction of the Kuhmo Juminkeko was finished in 1999 as part
of the New Kalevala's Commemoratory Year. Today, the center is
the Finnish State's permanent monument to the Kalevala. The Kuhmo
Kulttuurikornitsa Foundation became the Juminkeko Foundation at
the beginning of 2000.